Thirty-five (35) all ranks have graduated from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Course 5/24 at the Junior Ranks Mess of the 1 Infantry Battalion, Michel Camp on Friday 21 June, 2024.

The 6 months intensive course was jointly sponsored by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the United Kingdom (UK) to enhance the EOD capability of the Ghana Army to combat terrorist activities.

There were exhibitions and demonstration exercises by graduands with equipment such as Explosive Demolition Equipment, Bomb suits, X-Ray Systems, Hook and Line, EOD Robots, Ammunition, EOD Batteries, Metal Detectors and EOD Disruptors.

The Guest of honour, Deputy Chief Staff Officer Plans and Policy at the Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Yahuza Salifu expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana, the Military High Command and UK Army for sponsoring the course, emphasizing that it would enable GAF and other security agencies to be well-positioned to combat the challenges terrorists pose with the use of explosives.

He elaborated that the rise in terrorism and asymmetric warfare globally has occasioned a shift in operations, hence, the ongoing restructuring of GAF aims at maintaining a robust and highly movable military force capable of neutralizing threats to national security and development.

He further stated that with the donation of a standardized and modernized EOD equipment by the United States of America, GAF has taken steps to pledge an EOD Unit for the United Nations Peace Support Operations.

Brig Gen Salifu added that plans were underway to establish an accredited Ghana Army School of Ammunition and Explosives, the fifth accredited EOD School in Africa.

The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Mrs Harriet Thompson expressed appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces and course participants for their efforts and sacrifices. She was optimistic about the continued partnership between both institutions and promised that Britain would provide the needed support at all times when called upon.

She further congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to use the knowledge and experience acquired to preserve lives and property.

Private (Pte) Adu Kingsley was awarded the Overall Best Student while Pte Apea Samuel Addo was awarded the Best in Conventional Amunition Disposal, Pte Fara Bismark won the Best Student in Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) award, and Pte Adukor Daniel was adjudged the most improved Student. The Best Female award went to Pte Amedoda Mary.